Christmas Gala Concert

Bring the Christmas flavor closer with a program composition compiled for these special occasions!

How does Strauss or Liszt sound for symphonic orchestra and cimbalom? Look into the history of Hungary through music! Hungary always influenced the European music life more, than it would be expected from such a small country. Unique folklore music traditions gave inspiration to numerous foreign composers visiting Hungary.

With a repertoire covering musical styles such as operetta, gipsy music and Hungarian related classical music, the Danube Symphony Orchestra leads the grandiose concert, in cooperation with professional ballet dancers serving as confirmation to the fact that music and dance is inseparable.

The program includes operetta songs performed by soloists of the world-famous Budapest Operetta Theatre. In addition to all, we took the opportunity to include some unique elements into the program; traditional Hungarian folk instrument, the cimbalom and Hungarian folk songs adaptation performed by authentic gypsy band.

The 90 minutes long concerts (consisting of two 40-45 minute long parts with an intermission in between) take place in Budapest's most prestigious theatre; Pesti Vigadó, in a central downtown location.

Did You Know?

The Cimbalom is a Hungarian folk instrument played primarily with beaters. It is equipped with a heavy frame for more dynamic power, with many added string courses resulting in an extended range of sound and also a damper pedal to allow more dynamic control. During the 19th century the cimbalom was considered as the most distinguished musical instrument in Hungary, aristocratic families had their children taught to play the cimbalom instead of the piano. The first Cimbalom School was opened in 1890. Henceforth plays of the era remained including the cimbalom as a primary instrument in many of them, making it unique and exclusively Hungarian.

Venue

The former casino of Lipótváros was built between 1883 and 1885, in a beautiful Neo-­Baroque style following the plans of Vilmos Freund. At that time it was known as the an aristocratic club for entertainment not a casino in terms of gambling. From after its completion until World War II the Palace served as a place of culture, supported many young artists, even Bartók, Kodály and Dvorák played in its first class concert hall. After the war, since 1951 the building has been carrying out the cultural programs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Today the beautiful halls and rooms of the Danube Palace are hosting cultural, social and gala events like theatre performances or weddings. For private events there is an exclusive restaurant on the first floor of the building. It often holds welcome receptions for diplomats arriving to the Hungarian capital. On the oakwood staircases, balconies and the ceiling in the restaurant the visitors can see an original baroque design. Formerly, the whole palace was decorated with gold motifs, just like Baroque churches.